Honey's secret: What that white coating really means
It is often said that honey has no expiration date. While it can be stored for a very long time, it does lose some of its valuable properties over time. Occasionally, you might notice a coating on even fresh honey. Does this mean the honey is unsuitable for consumption? It's worth investigating.
After opening a jar of honey, you might see a white coating on the surface. It may look like foam, which can be concerning. It's important to understand what this deposit signifies.
Honey is considered one of the most treasured natural products, valued for centuries. In ancient times, it was seen as much more than just a sweetener; it was believed to have health benefits and was even treated as the elixir of life.
It never spoils?
Honey is a product that is often said to never spoil. So what does the white coating mean, since it's not a sign of expiration?
This white deposit is actually a natural effect of the honey crystallization process. It results from the presence of glucose. Beekeepers call this phenomenon "blooming," and it's related to the formation of air bubbles during crystallization.
No worries
There's no need to worry about this "foam," as it's sometimes called, because it's just trapped air during the transition from liquid to solid. This process is most noticeable in dark and quickly crystallizing honeys, where glucose dominates. Therefore, this deposit should not be a cause for concern.
Another issue might be the presence of yeast, which could raise concerns. However, specialists reassure us that it is not a problem. The presence of yeast indicates the biological activity of the honey, meaning this product has not undergone unnecessary thermal treatments that could compromise its nutritional value.
